Scouting report of a product of German engineering - Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 10:18 21/01/2019
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  • Kai Havertz

    We’ve been examining five of Europe’s best attacking-midfield talents and Kai Havertz is next in the series. Bayer Leverkusen is a breeding ground of some of the best German talents, but 19-year-old Havertz stands out. Find out why he’s considered one of the best young players in his position and read our methodology here

    STYLE OF PLAY

    A reflection of the new age German engineering, Havertz is a player who can carry the ball, as well as turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.

    A teenager blessed with a high footballing IQ, Havertz thrives in space and shows great versatility. The 19-year-old is more of a controller and ball carrier, who can be extremely useful in quick transitions.

    ATTRIBUTE RANKS (How the player ranks against the other players analysed) 

    Shots: 3

    Key passes: 5

    Expected goals+assists: 5

    Successful dribbles: 3

    Chances created: 5

    Overall: 5

    Kai Havertz radar

    Kai Havertz radar

    STRENGTHS

    His decision making is among one of his biggest strengths. The German is lucid with his passes and rarely loses composure regardless of the situation of the game.

    The fact he has scored six goals this season, despite playing deep, shows how the player is intelligent with his positioning and clinical with his shooting.

    Havertz often lurks between the lines and his trademark move involves turning right after receiving the ball and launching a through-ball.

    His technical ability, when combined with some mature decision-making, renders him a sure-shot success in the future.

    The young German’s dribbling style is unique and deserves a shout here. Kavertz uses his sense of time and space to get past defenders, rather than swift movements alone.

    WEAKNESSES

    As the radar above suggests, Havertz has a lot of catching up to do with the other elites at his age when chance-creation and delivery of key-passes is concerned.

    He can also work on his first touch. But a bad first touch is made up for by intelligent positioning and his unique dribbling.

    Kai Havertz

    Kai Havertz

    NOTABLE PERFORMANCE THIS SEASON

    A brace against Werder Bremen in Leverkusen’s massive 6-2 away win qualifies as one of the youngster’s best performances this season.

    Goals aside, Havertz was key in supplying the front three of Karim Bellarabi, Kevin Volland and Julian Brandt, like he does in every game.

    In an all-rounded display from the teenager, Havertz ensured that he tracked back and provided defensive cover when needed. It was a complete performance from the precocious young star.

    VERDICT

    If there is any youngster you would want to bet on making it big in the future, it has to be Havertz. Rightfully touted to take the mantle from Toni Kroos for Germany, Havertz can match or even better the Real Madrid star. The €65m investment comes with guaranteed returns.

    SUITABLE FOR

    Barcelona, Manchester City

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